“Mental health”. 

I know that some of you reading those words will regard them as a phrase that makes your eyes roll into the back of your head. 

It’s a term for some that will conjure up thoughts like “woke”, “millennial”, “didn’t exist in my day” and “weak”.

For others, those two words will resonate for personal reasons, whether because you’ve heard them mentioned regarding a loved one or yourself.

The reality is, we as a society are talking about mental health more and more. While it may not be on par with conversations about physical well-being, it’s certainly catching up (and I would argue for good reason).

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health “is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well”.

You might be wondering why I am writing to you today about the topic of mental health. Well, the answer is simple; Thursday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and I would like to ask you to just spend a few minutes thinking about it.

Ultimately, I’m asking you to think about asking someone you may be worried about: “Are you okay?”. Or maybe even asking yourself: “Am I okay?”

As Brits, we are famously bad when it comes to talking about our emotions (the old sweep-it-under-the-rug mentality or stiff-upper-lip outlook, you might say).

For those who prescribe to this view, I implore you to set aside any prejudice or misconceptions you have.

Mental health, whether it's good mental health or bad mental health, is very real - and it’s really important that we talk about it.

The Office of National Statistics reported that in 2022, there were 5,642 suicides registered in England and Wales (that's 10.7 deaths per 100,000 people).

As far as I am concerned, that’s 5,642 deaths too many.

There are many reasons why people take their own lives and each one is a tragic loss. But every conversation about mental health, particularly one borne out of worry for someone's well-being, could be life-saving.

I would like to stress that mental health isn’t all about suicide. There are a myriad of different conditions that impact people's mental health day-to-day and we all need to be aware so we can fight stigma and help people cope with whatever condition they have.

I speak from my own experience as I write this letter to you - there is no virtue signalling here. I have lived with depression for years and have been vocal as a journalist about my darkest moments and the importance of talking about mental health - and how I see talking about mental health as potentially life-saving.

The people closest to me - and indeed, people I meet daily - are often shocked that someone who seems the life and soul of the party, the bubbliest person in the room, the one who laughs loudest, can have the darkest days.

You might know someone like that. It might even be you.

So, on World Mental Health Day, or whenever you happen to read this, I ask you to take a minute to think about those around you, and yourself, and ask: “Are you okay?” Am I okay?”

I promise you, such simple questions can make all the difference. Trust me, people asking that simple question, as well as me asking myself that, has been invaluable to me in my own mental health journey.

And if you are reading this and you are feeling hopeless, I promise you, you are not alone.

I saw a post on social media recently which read: "I would rather listen to your story than read your obituary". How can you argue with such a sentiment?

You can learn more about mental health awareness by visiting https://www.mind.org.uk/.

Samaritans are available 24/7, every day of the year and provide a safe place to talk for anyone struggling to cope.

Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill) or call 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org